Northern Ireland 1 - 0 Kazakhstan

[Match report: Martin Harris]

Norhtern Ireland defeat Kazakhstan in a Women's World Cup qualifier at Mourneview Park.

A STACEY Hall goal quite literally moments from the end today ensured Northern Ireland's 100% home record in the World Cup qualifiers remained intact.

The 27-year-old was first to the ball as it fell clear on the edge of the area from a saved Kellie Bailie effort and duly despatched it into the bottom corner to hand Alfie Wylie's side the victory their efforts deserved.

That they had to wait so long to break the deadlock was becoming the cause of much frustration in the home camp. Indeed, Northern Ireland might well have taken the lead in the opening exchanges when Rachel Furness forced the Kazakhstan keeper into a near post save after Sarah McFadden had provided the telling pass. And a quarter-of-an-hour later McFadden nodded a Bailie free-kick just over while, later in the first half, she was denied again when the keeper got down to save after Furness had played her clear.

Northern Ireland had penalty claims waved away on 66 minutes when Oxanna Chisherenko appeared to handle in the area.

Other chances followed as the game wore to a close but it looked like all their efforts were going to end fruitlessly until Hall's moment of brilliance right at the death ..........

Northern Ireland: Higgins, McGovern, Bailie, Hutton, Booth, McLaughlin, Turner, Macklin, McFadden, Hall, Furness subs McAtamney, O'Neill, Roden, Patterson, Corish, Power, Carleton

Above: Northern Ireland captain Aine McGovern leading by example

Above: Gail Macklin battling hard for Northern Ireland

Above: Rachel Furness protests her innocence as the Kazakhstan number 17 goes down

Above: Sara Booth was solid as ever at the back

Above: Sarah McFadden playing up front for Northern Ireland

Above: Stacey Hall celebrates here match winning goal

Above: The smiles say it all for Stacey Hall...

[Photos: Stephen Hamilton]